Florida Gators forward Alex Tyus to transfer

GAINESVILLE -- University of Florida men's basketball player Alex Tyus is transferring. The school announced the news on Friday morning. Tyus, a forward, was the Gators' best post player in 2008 and was second on the team in scoring last season. He averaged 12.5 points per game.

"Sometimes for guys, they want something different," UF coach Billy Donovan said. "I think for Alex, I enjoyed coaching him for two years, but at the same point I think he wants to do things for himself that are decisions that he has to make on his own for what he wants.

"For me as a coach, you sit there and you know there is a certain vision and a certain path and a certain commitment that's necessary for the team going forward that you want to have and I think for Alex that's not something he really wanted to do. I respect that and understand that and wish him luck and hopefully he can get what he's looking for."

Tyus, a 6-8 forward who played out of position last season at center, is the second UF forward to announce his intentions of transferring this month. Freshman forward Allan Chaney is also leaving the program. Florida now has nine scholarship players returning for next season, including Nick Calathes who is hoping to leave for the NBA.

Signing period for basketball began this week and ends next month. A month ago, Florida coach Billy Donovan thought he had the makings of a quality team for 2009. Now UF's coach is scrambling to fill out his roster. It seems like the Florida basketball program is at a crossroads.